Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have decided to reroute one of their jointly operated services under the Gemini Cooperation through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, marking a limited return to the route. All transits will be conducted with naval assistance.
The service affected is the IMX service, which connects India and the Middle East with the Mediterranean. From mid-February, the revised routing will apply to westbound sailings starting with the vessel Albert Maersk and eastbound sailings starting with Astrid Maersk.
The two carriers said they may also implement similar routing changes for the SE1 and SE3 services at a later stage, subject to conditions. Further information will be communicated to customers and other stakeholders in due course. No additional changes to the Gemini network related to the Red Sea are planned at this time.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd said the transition will be carried out in a manner aimed at minimizing disruption to customers, while maintaining the Gemini Cooperation’s focus on schedule reliability.
Both carriers emphasized that the highest level of security precautions will be in place, with the safety of crews, vessels, and cargo remaining the top priority. They added that the situation in the Middle East will continue to be closely monitored, and any further adjustments will depend on sustained stability in the Red Sea region and the absence of escalation.
